Exercise! A tired dog usually just wants to sleep :) I will run the stairs with them, throw a ball, go for a long walk, basic obedience stuff to work their mind etc.. Its a great time to bond with a new dog and wear them out so when Its time for bed, they are more comfortable with you as the sitter and tired enough to fall asleep. I do keep them in my room next to the bed so they can still see me. Most of the dogs I take are crate trained so I put the crate next to my bed. A few have anxiety in the crate, but seem perfectly comfortable in a dog bed next to my bed. (We don't allow dogs on our bed). Also, practice leaving them where they will sleep throughout the day. If its in their own crate, or a certain room, let them stay there for a few minutes at a time, and while they're calm, praise them when you let them out. gradually increase the time so when Its time for bed it's not a big deal for them. (Not so they are locked away for the whole day, but if they will stay in their sleeping spot for 10-20 minutes without barking or whining then they should be okay at bedtime). Hope that helps!

I wouldn't board a puppy that young because of the risk of parvo and kennel cough, until she is old enough and has all of her vaccines. I would have a sitter stay in your home if possible. You never know what the dogs who have passed through have been in contact with and parvovirus can live on surfaces. The puppy will need supervision and cleaned up after and fed through out the day, maybe hiring 2 sitters to check in and play with your puppy or having one stay at the house while you are away would help. Good Luck! <3

As a full time sitter, I have extra bowls, toys and leashes that I prefer on hand, but I ask that owners bring enough food (or extra just in case) for the stay, a collar, leash, crate or bedding, and toys/treats if they would like. During my meet and greet I have a paper with questions including any medications or allergies and if it is okay that I give treats. That way, when it is time for the stay I can reference back to the paper for play time, food allergies, feeding routine etc.

I would recommend using a pen on hard floor or crate as opposed to locking a dog in a kitchen or bathroom. Any size dog may cry, bark, protest etc and can chew fixed furnishings such as the cabinets, trash can, shower curtain, wooden or plastic trim/edging etc.

I always ask that they bring enough food for their dog. You should also ask at what time(s) do they feed their dog and how much. I have a short packet I ask owners to fill out at the meet and greet that covers their phone number, vets office, allergies, medicine, food, allergies to anything, personality, behavior, daily routines, exercise just to name a few. This helps me be prepared when the dog stays and a visual document to refer back to in case I forget something they said regarding their dog. Sometimes dogs don't like to eat in a new place so I mix in a tablespoon of wet dog food (with owner's permission) and that usually entices them to eat it!